Doctor Who fans fear an agonising wait of almost two years for the new Time Lord's first series

Viewers' fears of a lengthy wait come after show boss Chris Chibnall admitted last week he is not yet in a position to start working full time on the programme - and the casting process for the new star has not formally begun.

A source explained: "The new Doctor will almost certainly be unveiled during the Christmas special, but at this rate that may well be the last people see of him – or even her – for a good while after that.

"It's going to take time to get a full series written and prepared - so fans might have to cope without a series for at least 18 months and maybe a little more than that."

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